LPGA To Require English For International Players…

A lot has already been written about this so I’ll keep my remarks short… I agree wholeheartedly with the LPGA’s decision. English is the dominate language in this country and if you want to succeed in business you have to be able to speak the language. Make no mistake about it professional golf is a business and there is a staggering amount of money involved. Players are required to interact with sponsors, journalists, fans and tournament volunteers and officials and a single common language will make life much easier for all involved.

Golf-LPGA players told they must speak English from 2009

LONDON, Aug 27 (Reuters) – The world’s top women golfers will be required to speak English from 2009 under new rules introduced by the LPGA Tour.

“We’re focusing on the fact that we’re in the sports entertainment business and we have to interact with fans and sponsors,” LPGA deputy commissioner Libba Galloway told the USA Today website (www.usatoday.com).

“This is not meant to be punitive in any way. There are very few players who don’t speak English.

“We don’t think suspensions will happen but if they do we’re not going to say, ‘Boom, go home and try again next year’,” she added. “We’ll work with them on identifying areas for improvement.”

There are 121 international players from 26 countries on the United States-based LPGA Tour, including 45 from South Korea alone. Read the rest…